Sheikha Bodour reaffirms duty to help publishers stem virus impact

Sheikha Bodour reaffirms duty to help publishers stem virus impact

Gulf Today, In the lead-up to the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), diverse voices representing the global publishing ecosystem have come together for the 11th edition of the three-day Publishers Conference to network and unite industrywide efforts to build a roadmap for post-pandemic recovery. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in partnership with the International Publishers Association (IPA) at Expo Centre Sharjah, the three-day conference began on Sunday, 31 October highlighting the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration and cooperation. In a keynote address, Bodour Al Qasimi, President of IPA, reiterated their commitment to help support publishers emerge stronger from the pandemic. “As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the IPA this year, we are reminded of its long-standing role in giving a voice to publishers around the world,” said Al Qasimi, recounting the role IPA has played not just during global crises but throughout history to address key issues like protection of copyright, freedom to publish and the development of literacy, which affect industry stakeholders worldwide. Referring to IPA discussions in the context of COVID-19 over the past 18 months, Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised, “We want to enhance multi-stakeholder cooperation and strengthen solidarity between each. This is why